GRS, the solar EPC contractor of Gransolar Group, has begun the construction of a 49MW solar plant for BNZ in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal.
The Famalicao array will produce enough energy to supply the annual electricity needs of approximately 14,000 households.
The clean energy produced at this plant will avoid the emission of 21,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, which represents about 18,000 round trips by car between Lisbon and Paris.
Additionally, BNZ estimates that it will create between 61 to 72 direct and indirect jobs by 2025, when the plant opens.
GRS will be in charge of building the solar power plant, in collaboration with Portuguese business group Triple Watt, which is participating in the process as the responsible engineer.
This is the first project in Portugal of the independent power producer BNZ, which plans to install a capacity of approximately 600MWp in the country by 2026.
BNZ chief executive Luis Selva said: “It is with great pleasure that we take our first step in fulfilling our commitment to 100% renewable energy production and accelerating the energy transition in Portugal.
“This is the result of the work we have been developing in recent months with Vila Nova de Famalicao to ensure that the promotion of a more sustainable future moves forward hand in hand with the growth of local communities, a fundamental principle that is at the core of BNZ’s DNA.”
Gransolar Group chief executive Iván Higueras added: “Almost two decades of experience have allowed us to gain in-depth knowledge of the particularities of such interesting markets as Portugal and Spain, and to propose projects of maximum efficiency and profitability here. All this, hand in hand with strategic partners, such as BNZ.”
Within the scope of this plant, BNZ has signed a protocol with the Vila Nova de Famalicao municipal government, which foresees actions for the conservation of cork oak trees and reforestation with native species in the area.
In addition, this project includes the rehabilitation of the Veirão river and the conservation of existing rock structures to allow the possibility of educational visits, as well as support for the construction of a natural swimming pool and a children’s playground in Vila Nova de Famalicao.